J. Purdey 1928 'Lightweight' 12 Gauge

Description:
Here we have a unusual Purdey lightweight 12 bore with original 26" Sir Joseph Whitworth chopper lump barrels still in original proof and in excellent condition. The barrels have excellent bores measuring .731" in both tubes, and have the original 2 1/2" chambers with the original blacking. The action has very clean metal with sharp rose & scroll engraving and traces of case color. Barrels bored IC/ L. Full, an ideal field choke combination. The gun weighs 6.0 lbs. even and wood is relatively straight-grain walnut which was used to minimize weight. Checkering is sharp and well cut. Stock has probably been refinished sometime in the past, but is very solid with no cracks or chips. Butt is checkered with flat-style checkering. S/N is 23,643, manufactured in October, 1928. It was ordered by Von Lengerke & Detmold in New York. Factory letter is provided which shows ledger entry and specifications. The only thing different now is that a Miller rear position single selective trigger with the early rocker selector was added long ago. It is cased in the original oak & leather case with Purdey label which is in fine condition and clean. In the 1920's and 30's, there was a fashion for lightweight guns, and Purdey and other makers started building them, according to Donald Dallas in his Purdey book. This is one of them and rather scarce. It's had honest use without abuse. For a quail or grouse hunter this is the Grail; a fast handling 12 bore with 1 1/8 oz. proof that weighs the same as a 16 bore. $13,500 OBO.

Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: James Purdey & Sons, London
Model: Best Quality Hammer Ejector
Serial Number: 23643
Barrel Length: 26" Whitworth Fluid Compressed Steel
Bore Info: 12
Chambers: 2 1/2
Ejectors: Yes; Southgate
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent & Clean
Wood Condition: Excellent straight grain French walnut
Bore Condition: Excellent
Barrels: Fluid Steel
Barrel Type: Whitworth Fluid Steel
Action: Beesley type assisted opening
Triggers: Miller SST
Stock: Semi Pistol Grip
Stock Comb: 1 1/2
Stock Heel: 2 1/2
Stock Cast: 1/4" cast off for right hand
Fore End: Splinter
Butt Pad: Checkered butt
LOP: 14 3/8" from front trigger position
Rib: Standard file cut solid rib
Finish: Blued & case colored
Weight: 6.0 lbs. even
Sights: Bead front
Manufacture Date: October 30,1928
Choke Left: .030" (Full)
Choke Right: .010" (IC)
Engraving: Standard Purdey rose & scroll
Case: Factory oak & leather
Item Location: NC
Proof:Nitro: Yes; 2 1/2
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: MWT .036"; .040" 9" from breech
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: MWT .035" ; .040" 9" from breech

Price: $13,500.00
Shipping: $100.00